Awareness and Negotiation of Preferences for Improved Messaging

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and media are disclosed for a computer-implemented method for improved messaging between devices, which are local or remote to each other. One example embodiment includes a first device, having a first set of messaging preferences, receiving a second set of messaging preferences from a second device, such as a computer having instant messaging capabilities, in communication with the first device. Further, the example embodiment includes comparing the sets of messaging preferences to yield results showing if any conflicting messaging preferences exist between the devices. If conflicting messaging preferences exist, then the devices may negotiate in order to remove such conflicting messaging preferences. Further still, the example embodiment includes determining whether to commence the messaging based on the existence of any conflicting messaging preferences and by enforcing the possibly re-configured messaging preferences during a messaging session. If no conflicting preferences exist, then the messaging session commences.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/870,530 entitled AWARENESS AND NEGOTIATION OFPREFERENCES FOR IMPROVED MESSAGING, attorney docket numberAUS920040232US1 (4046), filed Jun. 17, 2004, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention generally relates to awareness and enforcement ofmessaging preferences associated with devices used in messaging. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to methods, systems, and media formessaging between a first device, having a set of messaging preferences,and a second device also having a set of messaging preferences, whereinboth devices are aware of the other device's associated messagingpreferences, and the devices have the ability to negotiate overconflicting messaging preferences before engaging in messaging.

BACKGROUND

Messaging is a convenient and popular means for people to engage inlocal or remote communication. Through the use of devices, such ascomputers, personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), and cellular phonesenabled by associated software and hardware providing user-friendlyinterfaces, people routinely engage in messaging through what aretypically known as instant messaging (“IM”) or text-messaging services.

IM is a type of messaging service that enables a person to create a kindof private chat room with another individual in order to communicate inreal time over the Internet, and is analogous to a telephoneconversation except that communication is text-based, not voice-based.Typically, an instant messaging system alerts a person whenever somebodyon the person's private list, e.g., a “buddy list,” is online. Theperson can then initiate a chat session with that particular individual.Many commercial providers exist for individuals to engage in IM, andpopular IM service messaging systems include, for example, Lotus®Sametime®, American Online®'s (“AOL®'s”) AIM^(SM), MSN®, and Yahoo!®.Normally, these IM service messaging systems are installed to thedevices used by individuals that engage in instant messaging.

Text messaging, like instant messaging, involves sending text messagesto a device such as a cellular phone, PDA or pager. However, textmessaging is used for messages that are no longer than a few hundredcharacters. The term is usually applied to messaging that occurs betweentwo or more mobile devices. Like IM service messaging systems, thedevices permitting text messaging have software installed to the devicesused by the individuals engaging in text messaging.

Whether using an IM or text-messaging service, oftentimes, the hardwareand software used to enable these systems include a myriad of usefulpreferences that govern an individual's messaging session with another.Examples of such preferences include automatically or not logging thetextual communication occurring during the messaging session, settingstyles and colors of font, enabling emoticon capabilities, enablingsound capabilities for certain messages, enabling or not enablingpicture capabilities, setting filtering capabilities, such as thosedesired by parents, enabling or prohibiting webcam viewing capabilities,and so forth. Typically, a user of a messaging service system setsmessaging preferences based solely oil the user's preferences. That is,the preferences are strictly a matter of personal taste.

Despite advances in messaging, problems remain. For one, although a userof a messaging service system often pre-configures preferences for usewhile engaging in messaging, a remote user of the system is unaware ofthe user's preferences in effect while a messaging session occursbetween them. Unawareness of another user's preferences may lead todisconcerting results. For instance, suppose a user desires that none ofthe user's messaging sessions are ever logged. Suppose further that theuser begins a messaging session with another user of an IM servicesystem, and the user textually communicates the preference that theuser's messaging session not be logged. Even if the other usercommunicates that no logging will occur, the other user maysurreptitiously decide to log the messaging session anyhow in accordancewith that user's preferences. By this example, further problems areborne out. That is, there is no effective means to ensure enforcement ofeach user's preferences, and there is no effective means to discussmodifications to each other's preferences before each user decides tocommence with the messaging session.

A need, therefore, exists, for methods, systems, and media for users ofmessaging systems to engage in messaging sessions with awareness ofanother user's preferences, to enable means for modifying one or more ofat least one user's preferences, and to enforce a user's preferences,whether modified or not, prior to commencing a messaging session.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention generally provide methods, systems, andmedia for messaging among devices such as computers, cellulartelephones, and PDAs having capabilities for instant messaging and/ortext messaging. In one embodiment, the computer-implemented method forimproved messaging between a first device and a second device generallyincludes receiving, by the first device having a first set of messagingpreferences, a second set of messaging preferences from the seconddevice in communication with the first device. Further, the methodincludes comparing, by the first device, the first set of messagingpreferences to the second set of messaging preferences. Further still,the method includes determining, by the first device, whether tocommence the improved messaging if one or more conflicts are revealed bythe comparing. In further embodiments, the method includes receiving, bythe second device, the first set of messaging preferences, as well asnegotiating modifications to the sets of preferences before determiningwhether to engage in a messaging session.

In another embodiment, the computer-implemented system for improvedmessaging between a first device and a second device system generallyincludes a first receiver on the first device, having a first set ofmessaging preferences, for receiving the second set of messagingpreferences from the second device in communication with the firstdevice. Further, the system includes a first comparison module on thefirst device for comparing the first set of messaging preferences to thesecond set of messaging preferences. Further still, the system includesa first determination module on the first device for commencing theimproved messaging if one or more conflicts are revealed by the firstcomparison module. In further example embodiments, the system anotherreceiver on the second device for receiving the first set of messagingpreferences from the first device, and further includes anothernegotiation module for each device to use to discuss modifications tothe one or more conflicting preferences of one or both device'spreferences before the determination modules permit commencement of theimproved messaging session.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a machine-accessiblemedium containing instructions, which when executed by a machine, causethe machine to perform operations for improved messaging between a firstdevice and a second device. The instructions generally includeoperations for receiving, by the first device having a first set ofmessaging preferences, a second set of messaging preferences from thesecond device in communication with the first device. Further, theinstructions include operations for comparing, by the first device, thefirst set of messaging preferences to the second set of messagingpreferences. Further still, the instructions include operations fordetermining, by the first device, whether to commence the improvedmessaging if one or more conflicts are revealed by execution of theinstructions for comparing. In further embodiments, the instructionsinclude operations for receiving, by the second device, the first set ofmessaging preferences, and, further, operations for negotiatingmodifications to one or both of the sets of messaging preferences beforeexecuting operations for determining whether to engage in a messagingsession.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features, advantages andobjects of the present invention are attained and can be understood indetail, a more particular description of the invention, brieflysummarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereofwhich are illustrated in the appended drawings.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate onlytypical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 depicts a system for messaging between a first device and asecond device in accordance with the disclosed invention.

FIG. 2 depicts an example embodiment of a system for messaging between afirst device and a second device in accordance with the disclosedinvention.

FIG. 3 a depicts an example embodiment of a flowchart for messagingbetween a first device and a second device in accordance with thedisclosed invention.

FIG. 3 b depicts an example embodiment of a flowchart for negotiatingbetween a first device and a second device in accordance with thedisclosed invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a computer system capable of being a device, whenprovided with the appropriate messaging service software, for engagingin messaging with another non-depicted device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following is a detailed description of example embodiments of theinvention depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments areexamples and are in such detail as to clearly communicate the invention.However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit theanticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention isto cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appendedclaims. The detailed descriptions below are designed to make suchembodiments obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Generally speaking, systems, methods, and media for improved messagingare contemplated. More specifically, the improved messaging contemplatedis between a first device having a first set of preferences and a seconddevice having a second set of configurable messaging preferences,wherein the user of at least one device is aware of each device'spreferences, and may negotiate for modifications in the sets ofpreferences before commencing in a messaging session that is governed bythe sets of possibly modified messaging preferences. Embodiments includea first device, such as a computer, cellular telephone, pager, orpersonal digital assistant (“PDA”), equipped with software and/orhardware for messaging capability offered in commercially availablemessaging service systems, e.g., Lotus® Sametime®, American Online®'s(“AOL®'s”) AIM^(SM), MSN®, and Yahoo!®. A device having such a messagingservice system may connect over wired or wireless communications networkto a second device, whether local or remote, such as a computer,cellular phone, pager, or PDA also having an installed messaging servicesystem. The second device also has a set of configurable messagingpreferences, which may be the same or different from the first device's.

Before the first device and the second device begin an improvedmessaging session, however, a first receiver on the first devicereceives the messaging preferences associated with the second device.Similarly, the second receiver on the second device may also receive themessaging preferences associated with the first device. After each orone of the devices receive the other's messaging preferences, acomparison of each device's messaging preferences ensues that yieldsresults, which may include one or more conflicting preferences, i.e.,conflicts. The results indicate whether there are conflictingpreferences existing between the devices in communication. For example,if one device's pre-configured preferences, i.e., local settings on adevice for its messaging sessions, is set to no logging, and the otherdevice's pre-configured preferences is set to automatic logging duringmessaging sessions, then the results would yield a conflict. However, ifthe results indicate there are no conflicts, then, based on theseresults, the devices could commence a messaging session with theexisting preferences enforced. In this manner, at least the user of thefirst device engages in a messaging session with awareness of thedevices' preferences.

If the second device also receives the set of preferences from the firstdevice, and after comparing performed by each device results in yieldingone or more conflicts, then the devices may negotiate to modify theseconflicts. Such negotiating is, in effect, attempts by the users of thedevices to engage in communication for determining the intendedmessaging session's enforced preferences, i.e., the terms and conditionsthat will ultimately govern and remain in force during their messagingsession to occur upon successful negotiation. If the negotiation isunsuccessful, one of the users will determine not to commence themessaging session based on the results not being successfully altered bychanging preferences or waiving preferences. If, however, thenegotiation is successful, then the users will determine to commence themessaging session. After terminating the messaging session involving asuccessful negotiation that modified one or both of the devicesmessaging preferences, then each device's messaging preferences returnto their respective default messaging preferences.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a system100 for messaging. The system 100 includes a second device 105, such asthe depicted computer system, but the second device 105 could also be acellular phone, PDA, or pager capable of engaging in messaging, i.e.,instant or text. The capability for messaging is achieved by the seconddevice 105 having software and/or hardware having a messaging serviceprovider system 110 installed on the second device 105. Examples ofcommercially available messaging service provider systems 110 includeLotus® Sametime®, American Online®'s (“AOL®'s”) AIM^(SM), MSN™, andYahoo!®.

In order to engage in messaging, the second device 105 has attendantperipherals, such as a keyboard 125 and mouse, for a user to enter textthat is shown on a display 120, such as a monitor, connected to thesecond device 105. In addition, to engage in messaging, the system 100depicts a communication means being a wireless network 130 between thesecond device 105 and a first device 135, which may be local or remote.However, other communication means are possible without departing fromthe scope of the invention. For example, the communication means mayoccur through Bluetooth™, IRDA, and a wired computer network providedthe second device 105 and first device 135 are properly enabled with thenecessary equipment and logic known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 1 also depicts a first device 135 that is very similar in conceptto the second device 105. That is, the system 100 includes a firstdevice 135 intending to engage in messaging with the second device 105of the system 100 over a network 130. Although FIG. 1 depicts the firstdevice 135 as a computer system, the first device 135 could also be acellular phone, PDA, or pager capable of engaging in messaging. Further,like the second device 105, the first device 135 includes a messagingservice provider system 140 installed on the first device 135, andattendant peripherals, such as a keyboard 125 and a mouse, for a user ofthe first device 135 to enter text that is shown on a display 120connected to the first device 135.

Turning now to FIG. 2, system 200 depicts an expansive view of theawareness and negotiation aspects of the invention. Like FIG. 1, FIG. 2depicts a second device 205 having a messaging service provider system220 in communication over a network 210 with a first device 215 alsohaving a messaging service provider system 230. However, FIG. 2 depictsadditional features not shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, FIG. 2 depicts asystem 200 having components integrated into the messaging serviceprovider systems 220, 230. Although the system 200 depicts integratedcomponents, and the following disclosure continues based on the system's200 depiction, it is understood that the components may, for example,reside separately on the respective devices 205, 215, and work in tandemwith the messaging service provider systems 220, 230 through enablingsoftware and/or hardware known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

With reference to the first device 215, the system 200 shows a componententitled a configurator module 225. The configurator module 225, enabledthrough software and/or hardware, permits a user to configure, that is,set, preferences that govern the user's messaging sessions. Upon initialuse, the preferences may come pre-configured by a vendor of themessaging service provider systems 220 installed on the first device215. The user may alter, that is, re-configure, these pre-configuredpreferences to default preferences of the user's choosing throughinteractive communications, e.g., dialogue boxes, pull down menus, etc.,enabled by software and/or hardware associated with the configuratormodule 225. Examples of the preferences that the user may configureinclude whether to automatically or not logging the textualcommunication occurring during the messaging session, setting styles andcolors of font, enabling emoticon capabilities, enabling soundcapabilities for certain messages, enabling or not enabling picturecapabilities, setting filtering capabilities, such as those desired byparents, enabling or prohibiting webcam viewing capabilities, and soforth.

In addition, the configurator module 225 may provide preferences forindividualizing others' preferences for users of the first device 215.That is, multiple users may use the first device 215 for messaging, anda user, such as an administrator or parent, may set preferences,immutable by passwords for example, to be enforced by each user thatmessages from the first device 215. An example would be a parent settingdifferent messaging preferences for their seventeen year old child usingthe parent's first device 215 for messaging as opposed to the sameparent's eight-year old child using the parent's first device 215 formessaging. In a similar vein, a user may set different messagingpreferences permissible to govern messaging sessions based on theindividual of a second device 205 with whom the user of the first device215 messages. Such individuals may appear on a configurable “buddy list”associated with the first device 215. The above-listed preferences arenot an exhaustive list of configurable preferences achievable throughuse of the configurator module 225; instead, they are merely examples ofbut a few possible configurable preferences.

A further aspect of the configuration module 225, enabled through codedlogic and/or logic reduced to hardware, permits configuring anacquiescence parameter for the messaging preferences associated with thefirst device 215. Further, configuring the acquiescence parameter foreach of the messaging preferences is for automatic acquiescence.Automatic acquiescence configuring is realized, for example, when thefirst device 215 and the second device 205 attempt to engage in animproved messaging session, and a comparison of each devices' 205, 215set of preferences indicates that there are one or more conflictingpreferences, i.e., conflicts, that preclude their ability to messagewith each devices' presently configured set of preferences enforced.That is, say, the first device 215 has a messaging preference for nowebcam usage during messaging sessions, and the second device 205 has amessaging preference for webcam usage during messaging sessions;therefore, a conflict exists that precludes them from messaging. At thispoint, however, messaging can still occur without further delay if oneof the devices has configured the automatic acquiescence parameter forthe webcam messaging preference to automatically re-configure the webcammessaging preference to allow or disallow webcam use during a messagingsession. As a result, the former conflict is automatically removed, andthe messaging session can now commence. In a sense, configuring theautomatic acquiescence parameter can be thought of as a one-time waiverof a messaging preference that a user is willing to re-configure for amessaging session, but is a configuration that the user of the devicewould generally not prefer.

In addition to automatic acquiescence, the configurator module 225obviously permits manual acquiescence, but to avoid any possibleconfusion, this is explained. Manual acquiescence is merelyre-configuring already configured messaging preferences. Since theconfigurator module 225 already allows for configuring the messagingpreferences as explained above, manual acquiescence can be thought of asre-configuring, i.e., re-setting, a configured messaging preference, asituation that may arise, for example, after comparison of two devices'sets of messaging preferences yields results showing a conflict. Toremove this conflict, a user may manual acquiescence, i.e., waive, theconflict by manually re-setting the user's messaging preference toremove this conflict, and, thereby, allow the improved messaging sessionto commence. Such a manual acquiescence would be a solution forcommencing the intended messaging session having a current conflict whenneither of the devices' messaging preferences had a configuredacquiescence parameter to otherwise solve this problem.

After using the configuration module 225 to optionally initiallyconfigure or re-configure preferences from possible default preferencesset by a vendor of the messaging service provider systems 220 installedon the first device 215, the system 200 depicts a receiver 235 forreceiving a second set 240 of preferences from a second device 205having messaging capabilities and in network 210 communication with thefirst device 215. The receiver 235 may receive, for example, a copy ofthe second set 240 of preferences from a second device 205 in a packet.The second set 240 of preferences may be the same or different as thefirst set 227 of preferences for the first device 215. In one exampleembodiment, after the receiver 235 receives the second device's 205second set 240 of preferences, the comparison module 245, enabled byencoded logic, compares the second device's 205 second set 240 ofpreferences to the first device's 215 first set 227 of preferences toyield results 247. If the results 247 indicate that no conflictingpreferences, i.e., conflicts, exist between the second device's 205second set 240 of preferences and the first device's 215 first set 227of preferences, then the determination module 255, also enabled byencoded logic, determines that the messaging parties may commencemessaging with each of the sets 227, 240 of preferences enforced by theenforcement modules 257, 287 throughout the messaging session. In thismanner, the messaging parties, that is, the user of the first device 215and the user of the second device 205, proceed to engage in a messagingsession with the user of the first device 215 having full awareness ofeach user's preferences in effect during their messaging session.

In another example embodiment, further aspects of the invention aredisclosed. In this example, after each user optionally uses itsconfiguration module 225, 265 located on their device 205, 215, thesecond device 205 also receives the first device's 215 first set 227 ofpreferences by a receiver 270 located on the second device 205.Receiving of the sets 227, 240 of preferences, themselves, may occur invarious manners permitted by coded logic. Examples include theinitiating user automatically sending a copy of its set of preferencesin a packet upon a request for initiation of an intended messagingsession, and the receiving device may automatically respond in kind witha copy of its set of preferences. Another example would require a formalrequest by the receiving device for the initiating device's set ofpreferences. Many variations on how the receivers 235, 270 actuallyreceive the sets 227, 240 of preferences are possible, and thesevariations are encompassed by this disclosure although not specificallydetailed by further example.

After each device 205, 215 receives the other's set 227, 240 ofpreferences, the comparison modules 245, 270 found on each device 205,215 yields results 247, 277 that show whether any conflictingpreferences, i.e., conflicts exist. If not, then the determinationmodules 255, 285, enabled by encoded logic, independently determine thatthe messaging parties may commence messaging with each of the sets 227,240 of preferences enforced, by enforcement modules 257, 287, throughoutthe messaging session. In this manner, both messaging parties, that is,the users of the first device 215 and the user of the second device 205,proceed to engage in a messaging session with both users having fullawareness of each user's preferences in effect during their messagingsession.

If, however, one or more conflicts do exist, then a further aspect ofthe invention is realized through the use of the negotiation modules250, 280, which are enabled by further logic coded in software and/orreduced to hardware. The negotiation modules 250, 280 permit the usersintending to engage in a messaging session the ability to modify theirrespective sets 227, 240 of messaging preferences in order to remove theone or more conflicts realized based on the results 247, 277 distilledby the comparison modules 245, 275. The negotiation modules 250, 280provide the intended messaging users the ability to discuss through adialogue box, for example, how and whether to modify the one or moreconflicts in order to allow the users to engage in a messaging sessiongoverned by preferences that each user finds acceptable. Through use ofthe negotiation modules 250, 280, one or both parties may decide tore-configure their respective set 227, 240 of messaging preferences,whereby a re-comparison of the re-configured sets 227, 240 of messagingpreferences through use of the comparison modules 245, 275 yieldsresults 247, 277 indicating removal or non-removal of former conflictsor even new conflicts. In short, the negotiation modules 250, 280provide for iterative re-processing with a goal to modify one or moreconflicts by either or both intended messaging users. If the negotiationis successful, i.e., conflicts no longer exist in the results 247, 277,then the determination modules 255, 285 determine that the messagingsession may commence with the modified results 247, 277, which arepassed to the enforcement modules 257, 287, which enforce thesemessaging preferences throughout their messaging session. After themessaging session terminates, default modules 260, 290, enabled by codedlogic, return each user's sets 227, 240 of preferences to their settingsprior to the user's messaging session. That is, the default modules 260,290 return each user's sets 227, 240 of preferences to their defaultsettings.

If, however, the negotiation is unsuccessful, then the determinationmodules 255, 285 determine that the messaging session will not commence,and, instead, abort the intended messaging session. By the above-exampleembodiment, both intended messengers are provided the ability tonegotiate and remove otherwise conflicting preferences, and allow ordisallow both users to engage in a messaging session with enforcement oftheir possibly modified sets 227, 240 of messaging preferences. As aresult, if the improved messaging session commences after negotiation,then both users know, for example, whether their messaging session willbe logged, whether colored font will be permitted, whether arguablyoffensive language is permitted, and so forth.

Turning now to FIG. 3 a, another aspect of the invention is disclosed.In particular, an embodiment of a flowchart 300 for messaging between afirst device having a first set of messaging preferences and a seconddevice having a second set of preferences. Flowchart 300 is for asystem, such as systems 100 and 200, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

Flowchart 300 begins by configuring 310 the set of preferences to beenforced by a second device used for messaging with first device. Thedevices may be a computer system, cellular telephone, PDA or pagerhaving a capability for messaging through an installed messaging serviceprovider system such as Lotus® Sametime®, American Online®'s (“AOL®'s”)AIM^(SM), MSN®, and Yahoo!®. Configuring 310 of the set of preferencesfor the second device involves setting, enabled by associated softwareand/or hardware, of messaging preferences that the user of the seconddevice wishes to have in effect during a messaging session with anyother or even a particular user of a device in communication with thesecond device through wired or wireless communication.

As part of the configuring 310, a user may optionally configureautomatic acquiescence parameters associated with each of the messagingpreferences. The automatic acquiescence parameters are a secondarystructure associated with general configuration of the messagingpreferences. For example, although a user may generally configure theemoticon messaging preference for no use of emoticons during messagingsessions, the same user may configure the automatic acquiescenceparameter for emoticons usage to automatically switch the generalemoticon prohibition configuration to allow emoticon usage if the otherdevice with which the device intends to message requires emoticon usageduring messaging sessions. Explained another way, configuration ofautomatic acquiescence parameters are a user's affirmativerepresentation for automatic waiver, and, thereby, resetting, of auser's general and preferred configuration of a messaging preference inorder to remove a conflicting messaging preference existing betweendevices that would otherwise preclude their ability to engage in amessaging session.

After optionally configuring 310 the second device's set of preferences,the flowchart 300 continues by the second device receiving 315 the firstset of preferences from a first device with which the second device isintending to engage in a messaging session. Receiving 315 of the firstdevice's first set of preferences by the second device may occur in amyriad of ways. By example, the second device may receive a copy of thefirst device's first set of preferences upon the user of the seconddevice's textually entered request, the second device may automaticallyrequest the first device's first set of preferences after the first orsecond device requests initiation of a messaging session, or the firstdevice may automatically send the second device its set of preferencesin its request to initiate a messaging session with the second device.Other variations for receiving 315 the first set of preferences by thesecond device from the first device exist, and such variations areintended to be covered by this disclosure.

The flowchart 300 continues with decision block 320 querying whether thefirst device will also receive the second set of preferences associatedwith the second device. If not, then the flowchart 300 branches, andcomparing 325 of the second device's second set of preferences to thefirst device's first set of preferences ensues on the second device. Thecomparing 325, enabled by coded logic in software and/or reduced tohardware associated with the second device, yields results indicatingwhether any conflicting preferences exist as depicted by decision block330. If there are no conflicting preferences, then the flowchart 300shows a processed determination 335, enabled by software and/orhardware, that messaging between the second device and the first devicemay commence. As such, the second device has full awareness of the firstdevice's first set of preferences that will remain in effect duringtheir messaging session, wherein the enforcement of the preferences isachieved by logic associated with the determining 335 to commencemessaging on the second device. If conflicting preferences do exist,however, then decision block 330 results in aborting 337 the intendedmessaging session unless removing 336 of the one or more conflicts isachieved through, for example, a call from the second device to thefirst device to see if configured automatic acquiescence parameters onthe first device will remove the one or more conflicts, and, if so, thenmessaging session occurs 339. If not, then no messaging session occurs337 because the second device is unable to ensure that the intendedmessaging session will occur with awareness of the first device's firstset of preferences. For example, the first device may log the messagingsession between the second device and the first device contrary to theuser of the second device's wishes as stated by the second device'schoice of settings for its set of preferences.

Returning to decision block 320, if, according to the flowchart 300, thefirst device receives 320 the second set of preferences associated withthe second device, then both the first device and the second deviceproceed down the flowchart 300 by comparing 345 the other device's setof preferences to their own set of preferences to yield respectiveresults that indicate whether any conflicting preferences, i.e.,conflicts, exist between the devices. As a side note, just as with theconfiguring 310 the second device's second set of preferences, a usermay similarly and optionally configure the first set of preferencesassociated with the first device although flowchart 300 does not depictsuch.

After the comparing 345, a decision block 350 queries whether anyconflicting preferences exist in the results independently processed bythe second device and the first device. If not, then the flowchart 300shows a processed determination 355, enabled by software and/orhardware, that messaging between the second device and the first devicecommences with enforcement of the sets of messaging preferences. Assuch, the second device and the first device have full awareness of eachdevice's set of preferences that will remain in effect during theirmessaging session, wherein the enforcement of the preferences isachieved by logic associated with the determining 355 to commencemessaging on both devices.

If the results of the comparing 345 at the decision block 350 do resultin conflicting preferences, then the flowchart 300 continues downward tonegotiating 360, which is also enabled by coded logic associated witheach of the devices. The negotiating 360 enables the users intending toengage in a messaging session to modify their conflicting preferences sothat acceptable sets of preferences are achieved that will govern theirhopeful messaging session. The negotiating 360 permits the users tomodify one or more settings in either or both sets of preferences byre-configuring their respective sets of preferences. Such negotiating360 may occur by the intended messengers communicating, for example,through the use of dialogue boxes, a feature enabled by associated logicsoftware and/or hardware.

Turning now to FIG. 3 b, an expansive view of an example embodiment forthe negotiating 360 shown on FIG. 3 a is depicted. Flowchart 361 showsprompting 362 on a display, for example, on each device of the one ormore conflicting messaging preferences, and optionally thenon-conflicting messaging preferences, existing between the devicesknown as a result of the comparing 345 shown on FIG. 3 a. The prompting362 is a list, for example, appearing on each device's display thatsummarily reports the existing conflicting preferences preventing thedevices to engage in a messaging session. After the prompting 362,flowchart 361 shows each device optionally calling 363 the other deviceover a network to see if the devices have configured automaticacquiescence parameters, whereby a re-executing 364 decision blockstands for re-execution of the receivings 312, 320 by the devices withthe values for any automatic acquiescence parameters, then engage incomparing 345 and a determining block 350 to result in commencing 355messaging as shown on FIG. 3 a, and repeated on FIG. 3 b, if no moreconflicting preferences exist. If no, that is, conflicting preferencesstill exist, then re-prompting 366 on the devices occurs that show thelist of conflicting preferences still existing

If the re-prompting 366 occurs, or if the optional calling 363 does notoccur, then the launching 367 of dialogue boxes for textual entry by theusers of the devices occurs. The launching 367 enables the users toengage in a real time discussion on how to remove the existingconflicting preferences so that they can engage in an improved messagingsession with modified or unmodified messaging preferences acceptable tothe users. During this launching 367, which may occur repeatedly until auser terminates 368 the launching 367, which results in aborting 370 theintended messaging session as shown on FIG. 3 a, the users may statewhat messaging preferences they are willing to change, what they willnot change, what messaging preferences the other should change, and soon. For example, the user of the first device may state to the user ofthe other device in a launched dialogue box unwillingness to modify itsmessaging preference for no logging during messaging sessions. Inresponse, the user of the other device in one or more dialogue boxes mayattempt to persuade the user of the device with reasoning, agree tounwillingness, and so on. If and once the users agree on what messagingpreferences one or both users should modify to engage in a messagingsession made possible by the launching 367, one or both usersre-configure 369 messaging preferences on their device in accordancewith the discussion had as a result of the launching 367. There-configuring 369 then results in re-executing 371 the receivings 312,320 having the modified user preferences from each device, then engagein comparing 345, and a determining block 350 to result in commencing355 messaging as shown on FIG. 3 a if no more conflicting preferencesexist and the modified user preferences are enforced during the improvedmessaging session. If conflicting preferences still exist, however,whether by mistake or trickery, then the devices may optionallyre-engage 372 in the negotiating as shown by decision block. If not,then the intended messaging session is aborted 370 and each device'smessaging preferences return 375 to their default settings as shown onFIG. 3 a. Similarly, for successfully negotiated messaging sessions, theusers' default messaging preferences return 365 to default preferencesat the end of the messaging session as shown on FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 4 illustrates information handling system 401 which is a simplifiedexample of a computer system capable of performing the operationsdescribed herein. Computer system 401 includes processor 400 which iscoupled to host bus 405. A level two (L2) cache memory 510 is alsocoupled to the host bus 405. Host-to-PCI bridge 415 is coupled to mainmemory 420, includes cache memory and main memory control functions, andprovides bus control to handle transfers among PCI bus 425, processor400, L2 cache 410, main memory 420, and host bus 405. PCI bus 425provides an interface for a variety of devices including, for example,LAN card 430. PCI-to-ISA bridge 435 provides bus control to handletransfers between PCI bus 425 and ISA bus 440, universal serial bus(USB) functionality 445, IDE device functionality 450, power managementfunctionality 455, and can include other functional elements not shown,such as a real-time clock (RTC), DMA control, interrupt support, andsystem management bus support. Peripheral devices and input/output (I/O)devices can be attached to various interfaces 460 (e.g., parallelinterface 462, serial interface 464, infrared (IR) interface 466,keyboard interface 468, mouse interface 470, fixed disk (HDD) 472,removable storage device 474) coupled to ISA bus 440. Alternatively,many I/O devices can be accommodated by a super I/O controller (notshown) attached to ISA bus 440.

BIOS 480 is coupled to ISA bus 440, and incorporates the necessaryprocessor executable code for a variety of low-level system functionsand system boot functions. BIOS 480 can be stored in any computerreadable medium, including magnetic storage media, optical storagemedia, flash memory, random access memory, read only memory, andcommunications media conveying signals encoding the instructions (e.g.,signals from a network). In order to attach computer system 401 toanother computer system to copy files over a network, LAN card 430 iscoupled to PCI bus 425 and to PCI-to-ISA bridge 435. Similarly, toconnect computer system 401 to an ISP to connect to the Internet using atelephone line connection, modem 475 is connected to serial port 464 andPCI-to-ISA Bridge 435.

While the computer system described in FIG. 4 is capable of executingthe invention described herein, this computer system is simply oneexample of a computer system. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat many other computer system designs are capable of performing theinvention described herein.

Another embodiment of the invention is implemented as a program productfor use with a computer system such as, for example, the system 100 andsystem 200 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The program(s) of the programproduct defines functions of the embodiments (including the methodsdescribed herein) and can be contained on a variety of signal-bearingmedia. Illustrative signal-bearing media include, but are not limitedto: (i) information permanently stored on non-writable storage media(e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer such as CD-ROM disksreadable by a CD-ROM drive); (ii) alterable information stored onwritable storage media (e.g., floppy disks within a diskette drive orhard-disk drive); and (iii) information conveyed to a computer by acommunications medium, such as through a computer or telephone network,including wireless communications. The latter embodiment specificallyincludes information downloaded from the Internet and other networks.Such signal-bearing media, when carrying computer-readable instructionsthat direct the functions of the present invention, representembodiments of the present invention.

In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of theinvention, may be part of an operating system or a specific application,component, program, module, object, or sequence of instructions. Thecomputer program of the present invention typically is comprised of amultitude of instructions that will be translated by the native computerinto a machine-readable format and hence executable instructions. Also,programs are comprised of variables and data structures that eitherreside locally to the program or are found in memory or on storagedevices. In addition, various programs described hereinafter may beidentified based upon the application for which they are implemented ina specific embodiment of the invention. However, it should beappreciated that any particular program nomenclature that follows isused merely for convenience, and thus the invention should not belimited to use solely in any specific application identified and/orimplied by such nomenclature.

While the foregoing is directed to example embodiments of the disclosedinvention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devisedwithout departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof isdetermined by the claims that follow.

1. A computer-implemented method for improved messaging between a firstdevice and a second device, the method comprising: receiving, by thefirst device having a first set of messaging preferences, a second setof messaging preferences from the second device in communication withthe first device; comparing, by the first device, the first set ofmessaging preferences to the second set of messaging preferences; anddetermining, by the first device, whether to commence the improvedmessaging if one or more conflicts are revealed by the comparing. 2.(canceled)
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising acquiescing,automatically, selected from the group consisting of by the first deviceand by the second device, to the one or more conflicts, whereby thedetermining results in commencing the improved messaging if all of theone or more conflicts are resolved.
 4. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising negotiating between the first device and the second device inorder to resolve the one or more conflicts, whereby the determiningresults in commencing the improved messaging if all of the one or moreconflicts are resolved.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein thenegotiating comprises engaging via dialogue boxes launched from both thefirst device and the second device.
 6. The method of claim 4, whereinthe negotiating comprises re-setting one or more of the messagingpreferences selected from the group consisting of the first set and thesecond set.
 7. The method of claim 4, further comprising enforcing,during the messaging session, the first set of messaging preferences andthe second set of messaging preferences resulting from the negotiating.8. The method of claim 1, further comprising returning the first set ofmessaging preferences and the second set of messaging preferences todefault settings after terminating the improved messaging session.
 9. Acomputer-implemented system for improved messaging between a firstdevice and a second device system, the system comprising: a firstreceiver on the first device, having a first set of messagingpreferences, for receiving the second set of messaging preferences fromthe second device in communication with the first device; a firstcomparison module on the first device for comparing the first set ofmessaging preferences to the second set of messaging preferences; and afirst determination module on the first device for commencing theimproved messaging if one or more conflicts are revealed by the firstcomparison module.
 10. The system of claim 9, further comprising: asecond receiver on the second device for receiving the first set ofmessaging preferences from the first device in communication with thesecond device; a second comparison module on the second device forcomparing the first set of messaging preferences to the second set ofmessaging preferences; and a second determination module on the seconddevice for commencing the improved messaging if the one or moreconflicts are revealed by the second comparison module.
 11. The systemof claim 10, further comprising a first configurator module on the firstdevice for configuring the first set of messaging preferences and forautomatically acquiescing to the one or more conflicts, and a secondconfigurator module on the second device for configuring the second setof messaging preferences and for automatically acquiescing to the one ormore conflicts, whereby the first determination module and the seconddetermination module result in commencing the improved messaging if allof the one or more conflicts are resolved.
 12. The system of claim 10,further comprising a first negotiation module on the first device and asecond negotiation module on the second device for negotiating betweenthe first device and the second device in order to resolve the one ormore conflicts, whereby the first determination module and the seconddetermination module result in commencing the improved messaging if allof the one or more conflicts are resolved.
 13. The system of claim 12,wherein the first negotiation module and the second negotiation moduleenable negotiating via dialogue boxes launched from both the firstdevice and the second device.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein thefirst negotiation module and the second negotiation module, throughcommunicating with the first configurator module and the secondconfigurator module, enable re-setting one or more of the messagingpreferences selected from the group consisting of the first set and thesecond set.
 15. The system of claim 12, wherein the first negotiationmodule and the second negotiation module, through communicating with thefirst configurator module and the second configurator module, enablemanual acquiescing to the one or more conflicts, whereby the firstdetermination module and the second determination module result incommencing the improved messaging if all of the one or more conflictsare resolved.
 16. The system of claim 12, further comprising a firstenforcement module on the first device and a second enforcement moduleon the second device for enforcing, during the messaging session, thefirst set of messaging preferences and the second set of messagingpreferences resulting from the negotiating by the first negotiationmodule and the second negotiation module.
 17. The system of claim 10,further comprising a first default module on the first device forreturning the first set of messaging preferences after termination ofthe improved messaging session, and a second default module on thesecond device for returning the second set of messaging preferences todefault settings after termination of the improved messaging session.18. The system of claim 10, wherein the first device and the seconddevice are computers having capabilities for the improved messaging. 19.The system of claim 10, wherein the first device and the second deviceare phones having capabilities for the improved messaging.
 20. Amachine-accessible medium containing instructions, which when executedby a machine, cause the machine to perform operations for improvedmessaging between a first device and a second device, comprising:receiving, by the first device having a first set of messagingpreferences, a second set of messaging preferences from the seconddevice in communication with the first device; comparing, by the firstdevice, the first set of messaging preferences to the second set ofmessaging preferences; and determining, by the first device, whether tocommence the improved messaging if one or more conflicts are revealed byexecution of the instructions for comparing.
 21. The machine-accessiblemedium of claim 20, further comprising instructions for performingoperations for: receiving, by the second device, the first set ofmessaging preferences from the first device in communication with thesecond device; comparing, by the second device, the first set ofmessaging preferences to the second set of messaging preferences; anddetermining, by the second device, whether to commence the improvedmessaging if the one or more conflicts are revealed by execution of theinstructions for comparing by the second device.
 22. Themachine-accessible medium of claim 21, further comprising instructionsfor performing operations for acquiescing, automatically, selected fromthe group consisting of by the first device and by the second device, tothe one or more conflicts, whereby execution of the instructions fordetermining results in commencing the improved messaging if all of theone or more conflicts are resolved.
 23. The machine-accessible medium ofclaim 21, further comprising instructions for performing operations fornegotiating between the first device and the second device in order toresolve the one or more conflicts, whereby execution of the instructionsfor determining results in commencing the improved messaging if all ofthe one or more conflicts are resolved.
 24. The machine-accessiblemedium of claim 23, wherein the instructions for negotiating comprisesengaging via dialogue boxes launched from both the first device and thesecond device.
 25. The machine-accessible medium of claim 23, whereinthe instructions for negotiating comprises instructions for re-settingone or more of the messaging preferences selected from the groupconsisting of the first set and the second set.
 26. Themachine-accessible medium of claim 23, further comprising instructionsfor performing operations for enforcing, during the messaging session,the first set of messaging preferences and the second set of messagingpreferences resulting from the negotiating.
 27. The machine-accessiblemedium of claim 20, further comprising instructions for performingoperations for returning the first set of messaging preferences and thesecond set of messaging preferences to default settings afterterminating the improved messaging session.